Bill Leach had wanted to expand beyond his one-store tire business in Paola, Kan., for some time. So when he finally found the perfect location for a second store, about 30 miles away in Baldwin City, Kan., he was ready to roll. And one decision at least was an easy one.

When Manny Geno took over the family tire business in 2006, he wanted to transform it from a grease monkey, good ol’ boy shop to a destination for customers who need tire and automotive work in the small town of Booneville, Miss.

Manny Geno considers the tools offered by his program group to be his dealership’s secret weapon. “It’s up to me, the dealer, to implement them. I’m not going to be able to use all of them, but it certainly has been a big plus for us.”

Tire Pros, a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors (ATD), is partnering with Independent We Stand, a nationwide movement of independent businesses that believe buying local can make a big impact in communities across the country.

The name United Tire & Service LLC reflects the mission of 17 independent tire stores in Pennsylvania’s Delaware Valley: unite to compete against big box retailers and national tire dealers. “We are individual businessmen who have gotten together to buy better,” says Ken Sylvester, president.